Tolls on the new Tappan Zee Bridge could balloon to cover construction costs

The 3.2-mile-long span that will replace the Tappan Zee Bridge is carrying $2.9 billion in loans and bonds, debt the Citizens Budget Commission says should be serviced by increasing tolls.

A CBC report released Thursday projects an increase to between $6.74 and $7.45 for E-ZPass commuters, and a bump to around $10 for E-ZPass holders who are not regular commuters, a group that currently pays $4.75 per trip. The price could top $11 for drivers not enrolled in the toll program, who currently pay $5.

Without a targeted increase for drivers using the bridge, tolls across the New York State Thruway would need to increase 24% to pay the debt service, according to the CBC report.

"Increasing the toll on the new Cuomo Bridge alone is the appropriate approach, and the new toll should cover all of the bridge's debt and maintenance costs," the report's authors said.

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